Camera Labs

Since getting my dSLR awhile ago, I've been fighting with tripods. My first one was a JC Penny one someone gave me which would hold NOTHING securely (v-tilt, pan, etc) which I found out to my dismay at last 4th of July's fireworks. The next one I spent a little bit on hopefully to get something a little sturdier, but once I put a ball head on it, it won't hold a portrait shot good, and even with v-tilt tightened all the way, it still flips back by itself.

Does anyone have a suggestion to a tank-like tripod that will actually stay where I put it? Or are most all tripods like this?

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/nursediesel
Canon EOS 5D & 5D2 | EF 70-200 f2.8 L IS | EF 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L IS | EF 24-105 f4 L IS | EF 17-40 F4 L | 580 EX II | Fujifilm X10

Hi,

I think the article Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan might resonate and offer a few suggestions.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.